| Summary: | The presence of Giant Hogweed (<i>Heracleum mantegazzianum</i>) in agricultural landscapes raises concerns due to its impacts on agroecology. Physically removed biomass can serve as a feedstock for solid biofuel, representing a viable strategy reducing reliance on herbicides. Giant Hogweed’s bioenergy potential is currently underexplored, particularly regarding its seasonal variations in properties and the environmental impacts resulting from its use as a biofuel. This study assessed the processability of Giant Hogweed biomass into briquettes, to determine their mechanical durability and to evaluate their basic emission characteristics during combustion in a device commonly used at the household level. Biomass was sampled at two specific stages of plant development for a comparative study of briquette properties. For both summer- and autumn-harvested biomass, a high mechanical durability of the produced briquettes, approximately 97%, was achieved. Only carbon monoxide emissions from summer-harvested biomass exceeded the limits; nitrogen oxides concentrations were within the limits for both. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry revealed decomposition patterns. Autumn-harvested biomass showed better potential for briquetting, highlighting the advantages of later collection. The findings demonstrate the potential of plant and applied processing technology for valorisation as a solid biofuel, while certain aspects still need consideration.
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